Archive for September, 2009

The ACT – An “Alternate College Admissions Test”

bubblesheetpicThe ACT is another standardized testing option for college-bound students.  All colleges will accept ACT score in lieu of SAT scores. Once again – all colleges will accept ACT scores in lieu of SAT scores!

The ACT is an Iowa-based exam with as much history as the Princeton-based SAT.  Those of us on the East Coast have not heard of the ACT simply because of business practices: Princeton “owns” and markets to the East Coast, while ACT “owns” and markets to the Midwest.  Both tests are offered in all 50 states, and all students may opt to take either exam.

The ACT is a fundamentally different exam than the SAT. It all but eliminates the reasoning component, and asks much more literal, aptitude based questions.  The test is divided into four sections – English, Math, Reading, and Science – with an “optional” writing section.  Although offered as optional, all students MUST register for the ACT with writing.  Some schools will not accept non-writing test scores.  Do not take that risk!

Scores on each ACT section are calculated on a scale of 36 points.  Section scores are then averaged to compute a composite score, also on a 36-point scale.  The writing is scored separately, out of 12 points.

The SAT and ACT require different types of thinking (critical reasoning versus analytical processing).  Therefore, some students may be naturally suited for one test over the other.  It is crucial that ALL students take a diagnostic exam and compare base-line scores before beginning test preparation. See our “surviving the chaos”  blog for more information.

Posted in ACT on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 | 1 Comment »

ACT test tips

Darry asked:

I am taking the test soon and I need to get a good grade. What are some tips that you can give me? I have already taken the test once before (I felt I could get a better score) and I have taken the ACT prep class. My GPA score is about a 3.6 and I need to get a score on the ACT test above a 17 if I want to attend any schools. Anyone know what to do? I’ve done several prep tests and I guess they seemed okay but they haven’t helped too much..
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Posted in FAQ on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 | No Comments »

SAT II test dates

Jen asked:
Are the SAT II test dates the same each year? The College Board website only has the test dates up to June 09?

I’m a junior and taking the SAT Reasoning Test on June 6th, 2009. I need to take the SAT II as well, most likely Literature and World History (and possibly Italian). The next World History test is also June 6th, and you aren’t allowed to take the SAT and SAT II in the same sitting. I don’t know the next date for the test, because the calendar only has the 2008-2009 dates. If these dates are the same for the 2009-2010 year, then the next test would be in December– a little late to submit to colleges.

So my question is, do the test dates change from year to year? And if so, when are the new test dates published?

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Posted in FAQ on Sunday, September 20th, 2009 | No Comments »

Surviving the Chaos: Organizing Junior Year

Junior year seems like an amassment of exams, assessments, try-outs and performances. Unless your mind works like a day-planner, it’s easy to run into scheduling conflicts.

You MUST develop a gameplan early in the season of junior year. August and early September are the times to map out big exams, sport seasons and family vacations so that students know which tests to prepare for.

 Let’s introduce the heavyweights of the exam area:

  • Mid-October: PSAT
  • Late October: ACTdeadlinepic
  • Early December: SAT
  • Mid-December: ACT
  • January: Mid-Term Exams
  • Late January: SAT
  • Mid-February: ACT
  • Early March: SAT
  • Early April: ACT
  • Mid-May: SAT/SAT IIs
  • Mid-May: AP Exams
  • Early June: SAT/SAT IIs
  • Mid-June: ACT
  • Mid-June: Regents and Finals

For test dates and registration deadlines, visit ACT or CollegeBoard.

Keep in mind, not all students are taking all exams. Every student is different, and game plans should cater to individual strengths and preferences.

It is crucial that students have a pre-determined plan for tackling standardized tests in order to be in control, perform at their absolute best, and succeed on test day.

 This is where the planning comes in. Mixed in with those exams are school vacations, sport seasons, musical recitals, etc. We strongly recommend that all students take a diagnostic SAT and a diagnostic ACT to compare baseline scores. The exams are fundamentally different, and some students are naturally suited for one test over the other. ACT-geared students should focus on taking the ACT, and SAT-geared students should focus on taking the SAT. This does not mean that students can not register and sit for both exams, but we strongly recommend focusing on one test or the other. Once a gameplan is set – stick to it!  This will ensure that students can adequately practice and prepare for each exam. Below are sample game plans. Keep in mind that these are only samples. Students who hit their marks should not necessarily continue testing. Game Plan A (Most Comprehensive)

  •  Oct PSAT
  • Dec. ACT
  •  Jan SAT
  • March SAT
  • April ACT
  • May SAT

Game Plan B (Focus on ACT First)

  • Oct PSAT
  • Dec ACT
  •  Feb ACT
  • April ACT
  • May SAT
  • June SAT
  • Oct SAT

 Game Plan C (Focus on SAT First)

  • Oct PSAT
  • March SAT
  • May SAT
  • June ACT
  • Oct ACT

  Game Plan D (Strong Test Takers)

  • Oct PSAT
  • Jan SAT
  • March SAT
  • April ACT

 Once again, organization is an absolute during junior year. Lay out your testing calendar, register for the anticipated exams, and follow through with your game plan.

Posted in SAT on Saturday, September 12th, 2009 | 1 Comment »

7 Steps to Managing College Applications, Without the Stress

College applications can get out of control. Deadlines, transcripts, fees, essays, recommendations – yikes! Follow the steps below to stay organized and anxiety-free!

organizingpic1. Choose Your Schools

Make a list of all schools you are considering.  Remember to consider “off-the-path” schools that are academically suitable for you but that are not necessarily “big name” schools.  Be sure to choose a few reach schools, a few safety schools and several match schools.

2. Create a Common Application Account

Hundreds of schools use the common application.  It’s an easy way to stay organized and on track.  Log on to www.commonapp.org to create an account and begin the application process.

3. Create Online Accounts for “Non-CommonApp” Schools

Most (if not all) schools prefer that you submit applications electronically.  Be sure to create accounts and watch deadlines for schools that are not on the common application.

4. Request Recommendations

Ask teachers, coaches and employers for letters of recommendations early!  Mid-year, teachers are bombarded with requests and won’t be able to spend much time on each letter.

5. Outline the Required Essays

The common application requires a personal statement and short paragraph about an extracurricular activity.  Many schools also require supplemental essays that range in topic. Outline your essay topics to see which essays overlap and can be used for more than one school.

6. Set Deadlines

 If the submission date says April 15th, don’t plan on submitting April 15th.  Plan on submitting earlier (much earlier) to show your interest and intent. 

7. Visit Schools and Request Meetings

 Visit your top-choice schools and make sure you’d be happy spending four-years on that campus.  Many schools offer interviews and overnight-stay options for students to ask questions and get a feel for campus life.

Helpful Links:

The Common Application

CollegeBoard’s Organizer

Home Organizer – The College Box

Posted in SAT on Thursday, September 10th, 2009 | No Comments »


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